Hyde Park Chapel

HYDE PARK CHAPEL was one of the most anticipated stops on this trip for me and I'm so glad that I was able to see it today. The chapel has quite an interesting layout and history. The chapel houses a visitor center, stake offices, mission offices for the England London Mission and of course, the standard meetinghouse rooms, all in the space of a townhouse typical for the area. The chapel is located on Exhibition Road, just down the street from the Victoria & Albert Museum and across from the Science Museum. 

The chapel resides in the space of a former townhouse that was bombed in WWII. In the 1950s President McKay assigned someone (darn, I can't remember his name now) to find a spot in central London ideal for a chapel. The man came across this spot, but didn't think it suitable. However, President McKay thought it perfect and construction began. These days, the interior has been remodeled and very much resembles any Mormon meetinghouse and visitor center for the most part. 

Being the first Sunday of the month, today was testimony meeting. I realized as an American got up to bear his testimony that I've gotten used to hearing accents, whether they be English, Irish or Scottish (haven't heard any Welsh yet, I don't think). A lady from Rome relocating to London shared this scripture with her testimony: 

"Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." 

Doctrine & Covenants 123:17